16 October 2025

The nineteenth Arnhemse Piet has been awarded to Marieke van ’t Hoff, managing director of Introdans, on 16 October. The award is occasionally presented to a person who has made an exceptional contribution to the city of Arnhem. Van ’t Hoff received the distinction in recognition of her inspiring leadership, decisiveness, belief in the power of collaboration, and tireless dedication to both Introdans and the city of Arnhem. The award was presented to her by Marcel Hielkema, chairman of the Introdans Supervisory Board, prior to the Introdans performance Pink Panther Party at Musis Arnhem. With this award, her contribution to both the city and the art of dance is given special recognition.

Marieke van ’t Hoff joined Introdans on 1 November 2020, in the midst of the COVID period—a particularly challenging time for the entire cultural sector. She succeeded Ton Wiggers, founder and general director of the company. Together with artistic director Roel Voorintholt, she has formed a strong and steady leadership team. In the five years under her management, Van ’t Hoff has taken impressive steps in strengthening the company’s development and its connection to the city. A strategic shift toward a realistic and healthy business model was necessary. Guided by the Berenschot Improvement Plan and the 2020 advice of the Council for Culture, she restructured the organization: the youth and main ensembles were merged, the focus in programming shifted from quantity to quality, and the company’s continuity and success have been secured.

Van ’t Hoff has also played an active role in strengthening collaboration within the cultural field of Arnhem and the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel. She maintained close contact with funding bodies and government institutions, participated in municipal and provincial meetings, and initiated and deepened partnerships with organizations such as Musis & Stadstheater Arnhem, Museum Arnhem, Filmhuis Focus, Pro Persona, Scalabor, DriegasthuizenGroep, Kröller-Müller Museum, Dirkzwager, Fillip Studios, De Onderwijsspecialisten, ArtEZ, and Rozet. Under her leadership, Introdans celebrated its 50th anniversary (2021–2022) with an extensive repertoire and numerous special events.

One of Van ’t Hoff’s most significant achievements is realizing the new Introdans building, which will rise behind the Stadstheater in the coming years. This new rehearsal facility marks an important milestone for both the company’s future and the cultural infrastructure of Arnhem.

About the Arnhemse Piet
The Arnhemse Piet is a unique distinction established in 2009 by Stichting Touchstones. The award honors individuals who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the city of Arnhem and its residents, celebrating their exceptional commitment and impact.